Data center patch cable management

The congestion of data cables under the raised floor also impeded proper cooling and exponentially increased the potential for human error and downtime. The patch panel, located either on the data center floor or in a wiring closet, is the demarcation point where end points of bulk cable converge.

If a data center manager were to trace a data cable from end to end, starting at the patch panel, he would probably find himself ending at the wall plate. This span is known as the backbone.

The modularity of the system is in the use of patch cables. The user plugs his patch cable into a wall plate. If he needs to move a computer, for example, he simply unplugs his patch cable and connects it into a different wall plate. The same is true on the other end, back at the patch panels. If a port on a hub or router malfunctions, the network administrator can simply unplug it and connect it into another open port. Data center backbone cabling is typically designed to be non-scalable.

Typically a network backbone, when installed, especially in new construction scenarios, accounts for future growth considerations. Adds, moves, and changes can be very costly once the walls are constructed. In new construction, it is best to wire as much of the building as possible, with the latest cable standard. This reduces expenses once the walls are constructed.

Category 5 Cat 5 was originally designed for use with Base-T. Cat 5e supports 1 Gig Ethernet. Cat 6a supports 10 Gig Ethernet. It is important to note that a higher rated cable can be used to support slower speeds, but the reverse is not true. Cable assemblies can be defined as a length of bulk cable with a connector terminated onto both ends. Many of the assemblies used are patch cables of various lengths that match or exceed the cabling standard of the backbone.

A Cat 5e backbone requires Cat 5e or better patch cables. Data center equipment can require both standard and custom cables. Some cables are specific to the equipment manufacturer.

One example of a common connection would involve a scenario in which a Cisco router with the pin LFH connector connected to a router with a V. An example of a less common connection would be a standalone tape backup that may have a SCSI interface.

If the cable that came with the equipment does not match up to the SCSI card in a computer, the data center manager will find himself looking for a custom SCSI cable. A typical example of the diversity of cables required in the data center is a high speed serial router cable.

Some router manufacturers feature unorthodox connectors on their routers. Other devices used in a computer room can require any one of a myriad of cables. Sometimes brand-name cables are expensive or unavailable.

A large market of manufacturer equivalent cables exists, from which the data center manager can choose. Overhead cables that are in large bundles should run in cable trays or troughs. If the manufacturer of the tray or trough offers devices that keep the cable bend radius in check then they should be used as well.

Do not over tighten tie-wraps or other hanging devices. It can interfere with the performance of the cable. Cables are composed of different components that may become compromised if bent too far and stress is placed on the cable. For example, while bending a medium-voltage cable consisting of a copper tape shield, the cable may form cracks in the outer jacket. Do not over tighten tie wraps. This can interfere with the performance of the cable.

The bend radius are determined by industry standards and vary depending on the cable type. I would recommend you to have a look at this article by Anixter to understand more about it. Vertical cable management is when you run the cables from a piece of equipment within a server rack over to a vertical cable manager.

This cable manager mounts within the rack and keeps cables bundled together while they travel up or down until they exit the rack. They come in several sizes so you can fit as many cables as you need to meet your specific situation. Horizontal cable management is when you run the cables through a plastic or metal unit that is placed above or below the device where the cables are plugged.

The cables are kept in place and separated so each one has its own spot within the cable manager. These cable managers can come in 1U or 2U size options so they can organize cables from multiple devices. Make sure that the installer tests and certifies every link. A data center manager can request a report that shows the test results. Are there any common practices that should be avoided?

Read the articles about the different methods and technics of testing fiber optic cables. The next thing that we need to consider is related to the power cable management and best practices scenarios related to both data and power cables which I have covered in the second article. I would strongly recommend you to review the same to have a complete idea about the cabling strategies. Have a comment or points to be reviewed? Let us grow together.

And tracking all this on Excel spreadsheets becomes more and more challenging as rack densities and multi-hop connections increase. Because of this, many organizations are investing time and resources in the planning, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of their network infrastructure. Still, however, they struggle to address many of the key challenges of data center cable management.

Although your challenges may vary, the following are some of the most common and can be addressed by instilling good behavior and sticking to best practices. However, knowing what the most common challenges are and how to approach them can make it faster and easier for you to efficiently troubleshoot and maintain your data center environment.

Herman Chan is the President of Sunbird Software. Our Voice of the Industry feature showcases guest articles on thought leadership from sponsors of Data Center Frontier. For more information, see our Voices of the Industry description and guidelines.. Herman Chan, President of Sunbird Software.

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